Sun Exposure:

Various Soils

Soil:

Rounded

Shape:

The Live Oak has a(n) Rounded shape.

More Info

Attributes:

The Live Oak tree has been called majestic, romantic, and "one of the most impressive trees in North America." They will thrive in almost any location and have superior wind resistance. The character of Live Oaks can change dramatically with location, however. On drier sites it assumes a dwarf form and near the northern climates it drops its leaves in the fall like any ordinary broad-leaf tree.

Wildlife Value:

Sweet live oak acorns are at the top of the food preference list for birds such as wood ducks, wild turkeys, quail, and jays, and mammals such as squirrels, raccoons, and whitetail deer.

History/Lore/Use:

The Live Oak provides one of the most indelible images of the Old South. The huge branches of Live Oak festooned with Spanish Moss and spreading horizontally over grassy lawns conjure up images of antebellum plantations. The tree has long been a favorite tree not only for its beauty and shade, but for its strong and dense wood. It was once so valuable for wooden vessels that the Navy maintained its own Oak forests. The early Native Americans liked it too, extracting an oil from its sweet acorns that was something akin to modern olive oil. It earned its place in American history as the lumber used in the construction of the naval frigate USS Constitution, and when British cannon balls bounced off the hull during a battle, the vessel was thereafter known as "Old Ironsides."

Moisture:

Normal moisture requirements. Has some flooding and drought tolerance.

Leaves:

This tree's leaves are leathery, 2 to 5 inches long and usually have a smooth margin that rolls slightly downward and inward. They are dark, glossy green on top and paler beneath, often with fine down. The leaves persist into the following spring.

Flower Color:

Brown, faded.

Bloom Time:

April-May

Fruit Description:

This tree produces acorns that are green, turning dark brown at maturity. They are about 3/4 inch long and borne singly or in clusters of up to 5.

Often seen magnificently draped in Spanish moss, the live oak is the iconic tree of the South. It has been called one of the most impressive North American trees and can live to be hundreds of years old.

Its exceptionally strong wood was a key lumber in early navy vessels, including the famous USS Constitution. (Yes, 'Old Ironsides' was really made of wood.) Today it is a tree appreciated by arborists and city foresters for its wind firmness, adaptability to various soil types and tolerance to soil compaction and salt spray.

Spring Shipping 2015

Fall Shipping 2015

Color

Zone

Approximate Ship Dates

Order Deadline

Approximate Ship Dates

Order Deadline

02

04/15 - 05/30

05/21

11/01 - 11/26

11/12

03

04/15 - 05/30

05/21

11/01 - 11/26

11/12

04

04/15 - 05/30

05/21

11/01 - 11/26

11/12

05

04/15 - 05/30

05/21

11/01 - 11/26

11/12

06

03/26 - 05/30

05/14

11/01 - 12/03

11/19

07

03/20 - 05/07

04/23

11/05 - 12/10

11/26

08

03/16 - 04/30

04/16

11/05 - 12/10

11/26

09

03/16 - 04/30

04/16

11/05 - 12/10

11/26

10

03/16 - 04/30

04/16

11/05 - 12/10

11/26

We're sorry, but this tree can't be shipped to AK, AZ, CA, FL, HI, LA, OR, territories, or countries outside the United States. This is due to the agricultural laws within these locations.

When you order trees from The Arbor Day Foundation, your order is guaranteed to arrive in a good, healthy condition or we'll replace them at no charge. Your trees will be shipped at a suitable time for planting.

Each tree is guaranteed to grow, or we'll replace it at one half the original price, plus shipping and handling.

The benefits of bare-root trees

Our trees are delivered with natural bare roots which have been dipped in hydrating gel prior to shipment to keep the roots moist and healthy. As their abundant, fibrous roots aren't confined by a container, bare-root trees get off to a more vigorous start compared to containerized roots which typically need more time to adjust to transplanting. Bare-root trees typically surpass the size of larger containerized trees in only a few years.

Natural Root and Containerized Trees

Natural root (also called bare root) trees are shipped without soil around their roots. They are shipped when dormant in the spring and fall seasons. We dip the roots in a hydrating gel to keep them moist during shipping.

There are a number of advantages to natural root trees:

They are very affordable.

Their roots re-establish themselves well once they are planted in their permanent location.

If you have questions, please call (888) 448-7337 or E-mail Member Services.

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